MEMS for Space Communication Systems

XCom Wireless is developing a novel RF MEMS relay that can be incorporated into a wide variety of RF systems. The primary goal of this program is to develop these relays such that the relay actuator is encapsulated between an RF communications circuit anda protective package; the circuit and package are integral parts of the relay itself. Such a design will enable the superior RF performance typically found only in fully integrated devices yet retains the design and manufacturing flexibility inherent todiscrete components. This proposal discusses the development strategy for combining the relay elements into a prototype radio as a transmit/receive switch. The ultimate goal is to further the maturity of the integration process such that advancedcomponents such as agile filters, multi-band antennas, and phase shifters can be enabled by RF MEMS relays to achieve a high-performance low-cost space-based communications system.Commercialization of the technology to be developed in the present SBIRproposal represents a fundamental component of the XCom Wireless business strategy. Low-loss RF MEMS relays integrated with circuitry is a core technology of every XCom Wireless product, and sales revenue for all subsequent products may be attributed tothe present initiative research. The estimated time to first product release is 18 months, with profitability possible in three years with sales estimates of 200,000 units at $10-30 each from defense industry customers. Production facilities requireexpansion by the end of the fifth year of operation to deliver high-volume products for consumer applications; this expansion is likely to require an initial public offering. A strategy of continuous patent development is instrumental to the growth andstrength of XCom Wireless in the RF community, with two patents expected to result from the Phase II effort of this proposal.